The Truth About Incontinence: Why You Shouldn’t Accept It as “Normal”

Let’s talk about something many people are quietly struggling with — bladder leakage.

Whether you’re a mom who leaks a little when she laughs or sneezes, a man recovering from prostate surgery who feels like he’s lost control, or a child who’s still having accidents beyond the toddler years... incontinence is more common than most realize. But here’s the truth:

Just because it's common doesn't mean it's normal — and it doesn’t mean you have to live with it.

What Is Incontinence, Really?

Incontinence is simply the loss of bladder control. For some, it means a few drops when exercising or sneezing. For others, it’s a more significant loss that impacts daily life — avoiding social events, rushing to the bathroom, having to pack an extra change of clothes or feeling embarrassed about lingering odors or the need for pads.

It’s frustrating, isolating, and often brushed off as just a “normal” part of getting older, having kids, or recovering from surgery.

But that mindset can hold you back from a solution that actually works.

The Real Causes Behind Bladder Leaks

Urinary incontinence can stem from a number of underlying issues, but often, the root of the problem lies in the pelvic floor — a group of muscles that support your bladder, bowel, and reproductive organs.

When these muscles are weakened, tight, or not functioning properly, you lose the ability to fully control your bladder.

Here’s how this can play out across different stages of life:

The pelvic floor goes through a lot during pregnancy and delivery. Vaginal births, especially with tearing or prolonged pushing, can leave the muscles overstretched or underactive — even years later. Cesarean sections can also cause trauma to your pelvic floor leading to tight muscles that cause a lot of pain.

For men, the pelvic floor muscles and nerves can be damaged when the prostate is removed (even partially). These muscles need help re-learning their job to prevent leakage and the nerves need time to heal.

Like every other muscle in the body, the pelvic floor can lose strength over time — especially if we sit too much, don't stay active, or deal with things like chronic coughing or constipation. It’s a “use it or lose it” phenomen. We have to be actively using our pelvic floor muscles to prevent problems in the future.

Pediatric leakage can also be tied to pelvic floor dysfunction — sometimes kids never fully learn how to coordinate these muscles, or they hold urine too long, leading to leaks or accidents. The bowels also play a big role in bladder health, meaning if constipation is underlying, bladder continence can be affected.

Why “Just Deal With It” Isn’t the Answer

It’s easy to assume this is just something to live with — after all, no one really talks about incontinence openly. But if you’ve ever felt embarrassed, frustrated, or unsure of what to do next... you’re not alone.

The good news? You absolutely can do something about it.

Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy: The Missing Piece

At Breakaway Physical Therapy, we specialize in pelvic floor physical therapy — a gentle, personalized approach that helps retrain the muscles that support bladder control.

Through targeted bladder control exercises, education, and hands-on guidance, we help women, men, and even kids rebuild strength, coordination, and confidence. Our therapists work 1-on-1 in a private setting, so you can feel completely comfortable and supported from day one.

You’ll never be rushed or handed a generic printout of Kegels. We take the time to understand your experience and develop a treatment plan that addresses your unique goals — whether that’s going on long walks again without mapping out every bathroom stop or helping your child stay dry through the night.

Incontinence Is Treatable — You Just Need the Right Support

If you’re living in or around Crofton and searching for incontinence treatment, bladder control exercises, or urinary incontinence solutions that actually work, you’re in the right place.

It’s never too late (or too early!) to take control of your bladder health and overall pelvic health. Whether you're newly postpartum, navigating recovery from surgery, managing aging changes, or concerned about your child — don’t settle for living in fear of the next leak.

Ready to take the next step?

Let’s talk. Schedule a private evaluation at Breakaway Physical Therapy and discover how pelvic floor therapy can help you or your loved one feel confident and in control again. You have the rest of your life ahead of you, why wait another day to live the best version of you!